This one was a real departure for me but so much fun! My client had a small favorite photo from a memorable vacation years ago and she wanted me to paint larger for above the fireplace. I was so excited to paint it because I could see why she loved it. It really captured a moment in time. A different kind of painting for me because it was more painterly and allowed me to leave visible brush strokes, something I don't normally do especially since much of my portrait work of children is done in pastel. What a great summer painting experience. It really got me in the summer mood! Oil on panel. 36 X 24.
Who can resist the sweet expression on this dog's face?! I loved the challenge of painting all that gorgeous fur. You have to admire folks that keep their dogs looking so beautiful. Oil on prepared panel. Approx. 16 X 24.
Monday I presented this portrait to the client after many, many hours of work. Fortunately the client was pleased! I have to say that I was as well. This is one of my favorites of the past year. This portrait was done in oil on prepared panel and measures 40 X 33....not tiny at all. Well, back to work!
Just kidding. Here is a recent oil portrait done for a client who already has three I have done over the past 10-15 years. I must to say that part of the fun doing this work is seeing past clients again and these clients are no exception.
This week's most recent work had me using pastels for a portrait of these adorable boys. If only my children would get along as well as these two seem to get along!
Last week my opening reception for my month long solo exhibit at Framations Gallery in St. Charles went GREAT! LOTS of people came by...possibly hundreds. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. Many of my portrait subjects stopped by. I also had the bonus of a visit from my 7th grade science teacher who brought a painting I had done for him when I was 12 years old! That was so much fun to see. To anyone who came by I thank you for being so supportive and making the evening memorable for me. I hope you enjoyed yourselves. Thank you to Julie who came from Indiana to help me get ready and did what she does best...be a great friend. Thanks also to my extremely patient husband and kids. They sure put up with a lot from me these past few months. Special thanks to Sarah and Amy who own the gallery. They were awesome!
Finally on May 15th the finished and framed portraits of this year's Women of Achievement (St. Louis) were unveiled in the reception ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton. All 10 portraits were displayed around the room for viewing by those attending the luncheon to honor 10 amazing women. If you click on the picture above you can see a larger version. Though I only have a few weeks to complete these each year I am so honored to do these portraits.
It was my honor to do pastel portraits again this year of each of the 10 Women of Achievement in St. Louis. I am finally finished with them and they are in the process of being framed. Next Tuesday at a luncheon to honor these amazing women at the Ritz Carlton, each woman's portrait will be on display for about 800 attendees and then the portraits will be presented to the women to keep. Above are each of the portraits done in pastel and measuring approximately 16 X 20 unframed.
Well this is my final painting for my gallery show tomorrow. It will be hanging at child-hand level and is still a little bit tacky. Yikes! I really am a Starbuck's addict even though I drink decaf and "Starbuck's" really should be my middle name. This is on a deep cradled hardboard and was done in oil. It measures 12" X 12". I'm looking forward to seeing some friends tomorrow and hopefully making some new ones too!
Here is my most recent oil painting of a child. This little doll was loaded with personality! Does it show? I hope so. This painting was a bit more painterly than usual, especially in the treatment of the background and dress. While a bit of a departure in that respect, I think it has a fresh feel and works well with the more detailed facial features. 16 X 20 oil on canvas.
